China’s Premier Says Term Ending as Questions Over Xi Future Remain
- Li Keqiang says premiership over next year in rare disclosure
- Leadership still hasn’t confirmed Xi will stay for third term
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said he would step down from his post after this year, pointing to a coming reshuffle amid questions over the future of President Xi Jinping.
Li made the disclosure at his annual news conference Friday in response to a question about the accomplishments of his decade as China’s No. 2 official. In China, the premier leads the State Council and oversees a range of ministries, while the president serves as head of state. Xi also heads the party and serves as commander-in-chief of the military.